Sri Lankan Students to Receive Disaster Insurance Support

In the aftermath of the severe weather events that affected Sri Lanka in November and December 2025, school students impacted by the disasters will receive enhanced support under the government-backed Suraksha Sisu insurance programme. The scheme, managed by the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General, aims to safeguard the health, education, and well-being of the country’s school-going population.

Suraksha Sisu, a free, government-funded initiative launched in 2017, currently covers over 4 million students nationwide. The programme was recently updated for the 2025–2026 academic year to strengthen protections against medical emergencies and unforeseen family tragedies, ensuring that children do not have to discontinue their education due to such crises.

Following the natural catastrophes in late 2025, the insurance corporation has announced special provisions for affected students. In instances where a student has lost one or both parents or their legal guardian due to the disaster, benefit payments will be made without the usual income restrictions, provided that the required documentation confirming the loss is submitted.

Additionally, the insurer has approved external treatment benefits of up to LKR 20,000 ($64.65). These funds can be used for medical treatment, medicines, or examination fees directly resulting from injuries or accidents caused by the adverse weather. This measure aims to reduce the financial burden on families during an already challenging period.

Officials emphasised that the Suraksha Sisu programme represents a crucial safety net, particularly in disaster-prone regions. “Our objective is to ensure that no child’s education is interrupted due to circumstances beyond their control,” a spokesperson for Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General stated. “Through these targeted benefits, we hope to alleviate some of the hardship faced by affected families.”

The table below summarises the key benefits available to students under the enhanced disaster provisions of the programme:

The Suraksha Sisu scheme continues to serve as an essential mechanism for protecting vulnerable students across Sri Lanka, particularly in times of natural disasters, reinforcing the government’s commitment to child welfare and education continuity.